Local leaders from Carteret County communities visited Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) recently to learn more about the depot’s current operations and plans for future expansion.  

A group of 10 elected officials and staff from Beaufort and Cape Carteret toured FRCE facilities as part of a larger visit to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. FRCE Planning and Operations Division Director Michael Wagoner led the group on a walkthrough of three of the command’s aircraft production lines, including the H-53 heavy-lift helicopter, the V-22 Osprey and the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter.  

Much of the discussion focused on the planned future growth of the command, both in terms of physical spaces and scheduled workload. The anticipated increase in labor hours resulting from added F-35 workload and the addition of the Navy and Marine Corps C-130 fleet to FRCE’s maintenance schedule means the depot will likely need to conduct significant hiring over the next few years to meet the fleet’s needs.  

FRCE Executive Director David W. Rose, a Carteret County native himself, said he’s proud to host leaders from the local communities. The command appreciates unparalleled support from the citizens and leaders of Eastern North Carolina, and relationships like these help support the depot’s success in providing readiness to the warfighter.  

“Our aviation professionals aren’t just artisans, engineers and support staff for FRC East; they’re also the Little League coaches, volunteer firefighters, and members of the civic organizations who are active in our local communities and love where they live,” Rose said. “I am living proof of how you can have a meaningful career, provide for your family, serve our beloved nation, and reside in beautiful eastern North Carolina. On top of that, this command’s existence contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to the local economies. It’s a wonderful scenario for everyone.”  

Beaufort Mayor Sharon Harker said during a previous visit to FRCE she was struck by the importance of the command’s national defense mission and its economic impact on the area’s economy. With that in mind, she felt it was important for more of the town’s elected officials to learn about how the depot operates now, and where it’s going in the future.  

“FRC East employs a lot of people who live in our area, and I wanted more of our leaders to see the success at FRC East and also hear about the growth that’s going to be coming along, because that growth will also impact our community,” Harker explained. “I’m excited for Beaufort to be able to partner in that growth, which is going to affect how people will move and work here, and live in our community, as well.  

“As elected officials, it’s important that we do what we can to increase awareness of how important FRC East is to our community, and also to get youth interested in being part of this expansion, as well,” she continued. “This is a great opportunity for jobs and, more than just jobs, I can see careers happening here. I’m very excited about the future here – we’re working on economic development strategies for Beaufort, and this is going to be a partnership that we can create in order to support that economic growth.”  

Cape Carteret Mayor Will Baker agreed, noting that he also visited FRCE recently and was surprised by how many of his town’s residents he saw as he toured the facilities.  

“I think it’s important for our leaders to know the impact that this facility has on the entire area, let alone our town,” Baker said. “When I walked through here the first time, I saw at least eight to ten people that are Cape Carteret residents and I thought, This is great! 

“In the future, that impact could be even greater,” he continued. “And I think our town needs to support this facility in any way we can.”  

FRCE is North Carolina's largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, with more than 3,600 civilian, military and contract workers. Its annual revenue exceeds $865 million. The depot provides service to the fleet while functioning as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy; Naval Air Systems Command; and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers.